The past couple of months have brought many of our Canadian friends to Brighton. Clearly this has turned into times of festivites, reunions and a couple of Birthdays. First up, is Miles!
Miles came over by himself to see the UK. His first stop was Brighton. Its always nice have a home grown Canadian boy around. Always up for a good time, and great jokes....he clearly enjoyed the British lifestyle. Pub crawls! We showed him around Brighton and took him out for some fish and chips and ale. Now that weve been here for awhile, we dont notice the accent as much, Miles however was perplexed by it! Later, him and Christie went to London and Cork....to Kiss the Blarney Stone! I was very jealous, Christie said it was one of the greatest experiences, Miles enjoyed it as well. He then sucessfully went to Scotland and Dublin on his own...also made it safely back to CAnada!
Next up is Jessie and her sister. Obviously we were all tickled pink to be reunitied with our mate. With Jessie around it is impossible not to have a good time! In classic Jessie style it was all surprises. She didnt really tell us when she would make it to Brighton. (her and her sister are backpacking for a couple of months.) So christie and Stef got the surpirse visits at work. While I got the surpirse knock at the door.
Her vist fell on Trishas birthday. Trish turning 20 was no longer a teenager but a beautiful woman now! We all went for drinks, had dinner and ended up dancing the night away in a Gay Karoke Bar. Its really the only way to celebrate in Brighton. Filled with dancing, mustaches and cheer....it was truly a great night. We convinced the girls to stay a couple of days longer in our very full house. Catching up with her and her lovely sister was truly a treat....
Christie is meeting up with Jessie in Croatia in a week.....again.....Jealous! But thankfully the girls plan to make another trip to Brighton before heading back to the homeland.
Then it was my turn to visit London to meet up with Mary. Mary is a fellow albertan that I lived in New York with for a couple of years. She as well is backpacking, so I took the opportunity to catch up with her in London. Even though many years have pasted since Ive seen her, it was just like old times. Its great to reuntie and find them doing well in life. Its amazing how your lives will cross paths, from New York to London!
Then it was Momma Deb turn for a visit. Stef, Trish and Taylor went to meet Deb in Italy for a 5 days vaction in the tiny Italian village living in a villa. They spent their days eating superb food, drinking delicious wine, and wandering around the gorgous Italin country side.
Deb came back to Brighton with the girls to spend the night in our humble abode. It was great spending time with Deb, its always a pleasure having a Mom around. Deb left to see a bit more of Europe, but dont worry she comes back tomm for one last visit!
Your probably thinking this must be it....but nope! Next up, Joey and Megan. Trishas really good friends from home. They as well are backpacking Europe and made a pit stop in Brighton. Free accomadation goes along way when youve been backpacking for a month. The weather was hot, so they got to experience the best part of Brighton. BBQ!!
I dont mean to rub it in, but bare with me a minute......we live a min walk from the beach. So, during the hot times we lay on the beach, listen to the waves and bask in the sun. Its a hard life, I know.
So we had a feast of a BBQ then afterwards, beers by the huge bonfire that I successfully built. Thank goodness theres nothing to burn around us. Talking with Joey and Megan and hearing their stories of backpacking, it makes me really eger to go again......I will, soon enough.
After, Trish joined them in London for one last night. While she had an amazing time, she was sad to see them go. We all were.
So there you have it, The Canadian Invasion. Seven Canadians in two months. As you can tell, we are always welcome to any fellow Canadians to come visit...so book your tickets!
As well, Taylor turned 21! An adult all around the world! To celebrate we did the classic dinner and drinks but also went to the Fat Boy Slim concert. Fat Boy Slim lives in Brighton and does a concert every year to celebrate summer. 60, 000 people go to this two day concert.....I can see why....It was Epic!
We got to the venue at 3pm, and listened to DJ music, dancing and prasing the music till 11. Filled with incredible energy, and long ques....we had an aamzing time. However, were all a bit run down and sick now. It didnt help at the end of the night it was pouring rain.
Throw three coins into the Fountain di Trevi, think of the romance of Roma and it will bring you back. It works. Roma, for the second time in my life. Amazingly blessed am I. To increase my luck, I have my parents with me as well.
However, again....I did not plan for this trip well. I was smart enough to book in Jan for I knew that easter in Roma would be busy. Although, due to laziness and lack of knowledge I booked the flight through London Stansted airport. I know that Gatwick was the easiest to get to from Brighton...but I dont mind putting in a little extra work to get there. Wow...was I wrong.
Chattin with co-workers I mentioned my plans to leave after my double (till 11pm) to head to the airport to catch my plane at 6 am the next day. That leaves me PLENTY of time. My darling British co-workers infrom me that trains do not run all night to this airport and that might be an impossible task.
So I go to the train station to book my ticket. 50 extra pounds later...I discover the lastest train to Standsted was 850 pm the night before. That means I would be in the airport by 1130pm for a 6 am flight. Great.
I dont mean to wince but due to the kids being off school for Easter break, Giraffe was busy. Which meant four doubles in a row for me. Thats 11am till 11pm with an hour break. England clearly does not have overtime for waitress. Add to that early mornings spent shopping for shorts and packing....needless to say come Wed I was exhausted and not in the best of moods. Keep calm and carry on....right?!
I got someone to cover my shift from 830pm on and headed off. Carryng a crappy cheap carry on I bought....mostly because Im cheap. I got to the airport. Of course, many people were in the same situation as I.....so there I am on the floor with the alarm set for 3am to get my flight.
I hate airports....I hate taking planes....no room....no cormfort....O how I longed for the comforts of a train. Feeling sick from the travel I finally got to Roma. Well, at least in a matter of hours I would be reunited with my parents. I was to meet them at 2pm at the apartment we were renting. However, after a sea of texts from my mother, I realized that UK time is an hour behind of Euro time. Oops...Im late....never late....that and my mother still worries about me.
Originally my mother wanted to book me a shuttle from the airport.
Me: " Mom, you realize I have backpacked Europe for three months...if I cant find my way from the airport to the Colloseo...well then I dont deserve to travel!"
Mom: " But what if its unsafe....what will you do till we get there?! You get there hours before us!"
Me: " I suppose I will have to get an americano and look at the gorgous Colloseo!"
Bless her, Im lucky to have a mother who still babies me. After a couple americanos I was there with my parents in Roma. Unreal!
After chatting, showering, picking up some groceries we headed out to sightsee Roma. Picking up groceries my parents got their first taste of Italian customer service. Vicious, aggressive and slightly frightening. The lady at the check out throws the groceries to one side and impaintently stares as my mother as she pays the tab. Shocked, my mother was quite offended. Its rude thats for sure...but thats the way they roll.
Another scary difference is the cross walk. Sure there is a clearly marked cross walk to indicate pedesrians crossing....but Italians wont stop for you unless you start walking into traffic praying they will stop. However, near the end my mom was a pro. Confidently walking into traffic I couldnt be more proud. Dad however, always ran across....
I took my parents to the Plazzia Santa Maria where my hostel was the last tme I went. They were impressed by the beauty of the catherdral (Santa Maria) which is covered in gold and artwork. After, I was able to bring them to this tiny resturant with AMAZING pasta. Nothing fancy, fairly cheap....but the best local wine and pasta you could hope for.
After we walked to the Fountain di Trevi....the original plan was to walk to the Spanish Steps...whilst it was a 30 min walk for us girls when we went....I failed to facter the fact that my parents walk slow. Although, due to gellatio and wine they were well impressed by the fountain that brought me back to Roma. My Dad as well threw in the three coins over the left shoulder with your back to the fountain...Mom wanted to be different and just threw them in. I guess Dad's coming back to Roma alone.
Taking the metro and sightseeing with my parents was amazing.....to much fun to be exact.
Next day was the hop on hop off. We were doing a different company this time for last time I was in Rome I did the hop on hop off as well. The sights are just as stunning...everytime you see them you can not get over the fact these ancient ruins once houses emperors. You can imagine what they must have looked like in its time, It would be incredible.
After getting a feel for the city and seeing the major sights, we started walking. Passing the Cirrus Maximun where the chariot races and cirus were held. Then past the Mouth of Truth....we would have put our hands in, but alas we were not willing to stand in the 3 hour line up. Then we made our way to Piazza Venezia. This is where the monument of the unknown solidar was held. The building it self it HUGE, so much gorgous marble and monsterous bronze statues. WAlking up the steps you get a lovely view of Roma.
Beside was a church. Its 124 steps up....alot of steps indeed. Not super impressive from the outisde, inside it was unique. Dark and full of tomb coffins in the floor...it was slightly eery. This church was known for hosting many an execution on its stairs.
That night we went for Italian food, o glorious italian. Any pasta will do! Luckly my family is full of sharers. So we each order a dish and share...really its the only way to get the best of all worlds. That night I went and picked up Stef from the Metro. The collosuem stop was closed to accomdate the stations of the cross.
Full of people, and more priests and nuns then I have ever seen in my life! Above the hill over looking the Collosuem was a lite cross. There, the pope would achieve the final stage. I would have stayed to see it, but there were far to many people...and I dont really love standing in line.
It was late when I picked Stef up, and my parents were in bed. So we got a bottle of wine and chilled on a wall that overlooks the Collosuem. Boy do I love this girl....so many beautiful experience we have been blessed enough to enjoy. Not many people get the chance to enjoy a sip of wine looking at the collosuem.
Stef, who is as much apart of my family as I. Was estatic to see my parents. In the morning we all caught up on lost times. My parents were happy to have their girls back.
Friday was the Vatican. My parents were gracious enough to get us an expensive, proper tour of the world renowed Vatican. I personally, was very excited. We didnt have to wait in line, we got these fancy headsets where we could hear the tour guide load and clear....it was great. Except for the screaming child beside me...
This 3 year old is obviously not going to enjoy this tour, or understand it, or remeber it....WHY would you bring your 3 and 7 year old on a Vatican tour?! Most of the time they were making noise, or annoying the tour guide or running off into crowds...to the point that an Italian Police officer came to enguire as to why the father was yelling in fear about his 3 year old running into a crowd of people. Maybe you should keep them on a leash?!
Other than that, it was amazing....the Vatican, filled with history and riches was truly a sight to see. A little corrupt, lets face it...but impressive none the less. The big event of the say was the Sistine Chapel......o yes, the Sistine Chapel.
It was a tad hard for me to apperciate.....Ive seen stunning work in Catherdrals before, or maybe it was the build up....either way....none of us were really impressed. Maybe if I had more of an understanding of Art? I dont know, I felt bad.....but I feel like it was something Ive seen before.
Either way, St. Peter Bastillica made up for it...the tomb of St. John Paul and the fact that it wsa built on St. Peters grave is amazing. It was gorgous!!! That, and the Vatican is filled with art, artifacts and history...I love the tour incredibly.
Its interesting to think that the Vatican in of itself is a country. To the fact they have their own government, transport, mailing, everything. Obviously, unless you have soemthing to do with the Church, your not going to become a citizen. Still it was fun sending a postcard back home to the family from the Vatican. What an amazing day!
Not that our day was spoiled, but lunch was interesting. We went to some overpriced, resturant around the vatican. We did not get what we ordered and on top of that the food was cold and awful. But, not being those who complain we ate what we could. When the bill came, which was a nu,ber written on a piece of paper...which was way more then we actually ordered.....still being nice we excepted it. Considerining everything...we were being more then kind. Then the waiter....who was shit....said this does not include service...we ignored. Lets be fair...thats a bit over the top. Then when Mom paid the over amount on the bill, he said again....this does not include service...we were alll like ok.....then he starts dramatically pointing at the piece of paper...this does not include service, no tip!.....then Mom did what any respectable human would....gives him 2 euros and says....fine heres your tip! It was ridiculous, I couldnt believe how rude he was. And Mom gave him an ear full, which Im glad she did.... you cant treat people like that!! Thankfully, that was our only bad experience.
That night, we wanted to take my parents out for dinner. Ive missed all the major holidays, birthday etc...so we wanted to show them a great night! We found this amazing place with live jazz. Not only was the food and service amazing the music was top classs. It was a night for the books indeed. Best part, we found the green olives that Mom was so desperatly craving! It also does not hurt when the waitress brings you a bottle of 42 proof lemon lime liquor that goes down all to easily!
Later on, we went back to the Fountain di trevi....Stef also wanted to revisit the place that had drawn her back to Italy. It truly is a magical place...all the people about, the noise of the water running and the dramatic lights that over show the marble statues. You can see why a place such as this would tempt you to return.
The next day was Easter Sunday. And we went to see the Pope. We got up early to catch mass at the Vatican and listen to the Popes speech. As soon as we were in Vatican city the place was packed! We were sure we would never get in. There was a huge line up just to get into the square. However, ( fortunatly) we took a chance and stood in line.
A good hour later, after going through security, we got into the square. To our surprise, it wasnt to bad. We sat at the back on the stairs, and altough there were still a TON of people, due to the big screens we were able to see it all.
It all began with the Swiss guards (who personally protect the pope) march through the square. Then the dramatic music from the orchestra and the boy choir. The music, while dramatic, was beautiufl. Then out came the Pope. Looking good for his age. All of the service was in Latin so it was hard to understand but worth while nonetheless. It was humbling to be in the presence of such greatness, and I am blessed to be able to witness it.
After the Vatican we did the famous walk about. We ended up at the castle just before the river crossing. On the map, it seems like along way between points...but once you start walking you realise it is not that far at all. There is a stunning canal that runs through Roma, which overlooks much of the city. Then you cross a bridge filled with overlooking marble statues of Saints....quite intimadating, but gorgous.
From there we were on our way to find the Leonardo Di Vinci Musuem. While stef and mom weren't huge fans, me and Dad were to pleased to be able to go. Of course, we had the whole day...so first we stoped at an Irish Pub.
Thats the beauty about Irish Pubs, there in every county and they are always the same and welcoming. It was a chance to reboot and make a couple of friends...including the cute american bartender that offered to take Mom home. :)
Thankfully, due to a little teamwork and skill we found the museum. It was a small museum but amazing. Leanardo did it all...he was much more then what he was famous for. He was an expert in so many fields of life, medicine, physics, articture...you name it! And was the beginings of many of the tools we use today. It was fascinating!!
On our way back to the apartment we ran by some interesting characters. We found a man begging with the cutest smallest puppy in the world. You couldnt help but give him money to pet this pup. I dont like dogs and even I was in love. We also found some ancient ruins with tons of cats rooming the place. They were everywhere! It was a cat shelter that you can go and buy the cats...it was adorable. Made me miss my kittys Leizel and Slyvester back home :(
After a quiet dinner we went back and enjoyed some cards and laughs...a perfect day indeed.
The next day we went for a tour of the Collosuem. I had been waiting for this since the first time I went to Roma. The Collosuem! The massive, well intact, where all the action happened Collosuem. It did not disappoint!
We got tickets outside the doors and got straight in. Again there was an annoying American family with their screaming two year old....seriioulsy?! But I chose to Ignore! This was the sight I had been looking forward too!
Inside, you could see the stadium siting...which is still used today! The same set up, because it makes sense! Also they had a system of pulleys and rope to cover the stadium when it got too hot outdoors. again....same as we use in modern times.
On the grounds, they explained how everything down below was pullyied up through trap doors during scene changes....how sand was recovered over to cover the dirt, and how the stadium was set up with tickets that you would get and what door to go through.
Inrestingly, it was explained that the gladiator were not actually killed. For they went to school and trained hard for the fight at hand. So really, it doesnt make sense that they would train for a year jsut to be killed in one go. They were high paid athelites who would put on a show and stop before to much blood was spilled. It is true they also fought lions...but those lions were kept in the dark for 72 hours before hand and also chained. So that when they came to the light they were blindied. Still...made for a GREAT show.
Dont get me wrong....they still had the intermission where prisoners were killed by beheading, stoning, and slaughting. REalisitcally....rooms were tight in those days...so instaed of putting them in prison...kill them.
As well, we were able to see the reminse of the prositution house just outside the Collosuem. After a long day of entertainment...you could relive yourself through those services.
Fasinating, they also had exhibitions of the ruins and artifacts found while restoring the Collsuem....including graffiti done by people in the stands. Most often, obsessing about their favorite gladitor. It was incredible!!
After that, we went down the streets of Roma....they were all closed due to Easter Sunday...so you were free to rome without the fear of traffic. We made our way to a lovely little square with tons of art and entertainment. We watched some comedy, dancing, and sawy incredible works of art. We also stumbled upon a little church that contained the skull of St. Agnes. Who happens to be my Saint of choice for my confermation.
St. Agnes, who was a maryter at the age of 13 was forced by a prince to be stripped nude in that square (that was known for prostituion at the time) for resiting his advancing. It was said her hair grew so that no one could see her flesh. And when a man would true and pursue her he would instantly die but that she could bring him back to life. Awesome!
After we got a quick drink on a side walk cafe in the sun. Stef and Dad ordered an americano...instead of coffee they got a STRONG alcholic drink...that of which we still dont know what was in it.
Then we made our way to a lovely other square to enjoy the sun and eat amazing Itlian food for the last time. Our last night in Roma. The last nigh with my parents for a bit. After good wine and cheer we headed back to the apartment for tomm we were all heading out for our next destination.
The next morning was a stressful one. The shuttle my mom had booked in advance was not showing up. That, and the fact that when she called them again....they still just drove right past and did not come. So it was a rush to the cabs with my parents on board. Then it was a frantic search for the next train to get them to the airport on time. Thankfully, me and stef have been in that position once to often and were able to succesful get them to the airport on time.
It was hard saying Good bye to my parents. After being around them again, you remeber how lovely it is having them around whenever you want/need them. All the fun things you miss on a daily basis. Dad holding up his cup whenever anyone takes a picture, Mom with the slow walk which makes you apperciate everything around you and that theres no rush, Dads hunger for anything once 12 noon hits, and Moms constant love just wanting to do what makes you happy! Its been such a blessing to be able to see Roma with them. Makes it really hard when they leave and you have to go back to skyping....but at least I have Roma with them.
Off they were to do the rest of Europe......Something tells me they were to enjoy themselves. No one can go wrong with the European Experience.
